Help deciding resort for possibly last family vacation

[Tggrtoes]

Hi there - this will be a broad request, so I apologize in advance. We live in AZ, so I'm very familiar with DL, but WDW is not my forte. I'm reading through as many historical posts as I can to educate myself, but time is running short.

We are considering booking 7-10 days in Orlando over fall break for WDW and a few other activities. We honeymooned there in 2004 and were back in 2008 (with 2 yr old DS at the time). DS is now 9, we have some Disney credit card points accumulated... and most importantly, DH41 is battling stage 4 cancer. We will certainly have to book refundable/trip insurance just in case, but we love WDW so much and would like to share it with DS given he does not remember our last trip there.

DH works for Hyatt, so we have never stayed on property before, but is something I've wanted to do for a long time. We would still stay at the Grand Cypress for 3 nights of our trip, but are hoping to stay 3-4 nights on property while we enjoy the parks. We would likely not spend too much time enjoying the resorts, although I'm sure we'd do a few smaller things (short pool time, etc.). We will do some character meals and at minimum dinner at Contemporary (not sure I can convince DH to book Victoria & Albert's again like on honeymoon. hahahaha)

Medical bills make money tight, but priorities certainly change a bit when you are faced with possibly your last family vacation together. (I don't say this for pity... just stating fact for perspective). Anyhoo... where would YOU choose to stay? Of equal importance are convenience/least amount of stress (my anxiety trigger tends to be short these days) and the Disney Magic. Given we typically stay at 4-5 star Hyatt resorts, we do like more upscale hotels. Here are where I'm considering, although please feel free to chime in with something else. My thought is theme park view is probably a huge perk, but....?

Contemporary - Theme Park View ($3288 package)
Polynesian Standard ($2871 package)
Polynesian Theme Park View ($3636)
Grand Floridian Outer Building Garden View ($3163)
Grand Floridian OUter Building Lagoon View ($3347)
Grand Floridian Outer Building Garden Deluxe ($3552)
Grand Floridian OUter Building Theme Park View ($3842)
Grand Floridian Outer Building - CLUB Access/Standard Room ($3859)
Grand Floridian Main Building - Club ACCESS ($4660)
Animal Kingdom Savannah (this one is tempting, but I think I prefer to be closer to MK) $2987


Thanks everyone for your patience with my very general request! I'm early in my searching, but I know we don't have tons of time left as things will book quick.
~Stacey

 

[KrazeeK120]

First of all, please accept my sincere condolences to your family. I can't imagine being in that situation.

I think one thing that may help us Dis-ers in making a recommendation is understanding any mobility issues your DH may be facing. I'm always tempted to recommend CR because of the walkway between it and the MK, but is your husband strong enough to make that walk?

I also typically wouldn't recommend club level to someone who won't be in the room much, but being in the main building of the GF would allow you to grab quick breakfast as well as be very close to the monorail for quick access to 2 of the parks.

So I guess my recommendation would center around how well your DH can get around. If he can walk ok, I think CR theme park view would be great (staying in such a room is on my bucket list!), but if he is physically limited, I think you would find great benefit in being in the GF main building (and in the club level access that comes with it).

I'm sure you will get lots of opinions! I think there's a good chance you will be happy with any of the options you listed.

I hope you have the trip of a lifetime!!!

 

[Rera2528]

First of all, wishing you all the very best as you plan!

As for where to stay, we just returned from a trip that included staying at the Garden Wing of the Contemporary. It was certainly cheaper than staying in the tower, and the location was fantastic. We liked having the monorail in the tower and the ability to walk to the MK. Given the uncertain nature of your husband's health, I'm not sure whether that walk will be feasible for your family. If he has the energy, we found it to be incredibly convenient. We also liked The Wave restaurant at the Contemporary. It is a bit overlooked, which makes it relatively easy to get seated, even without a reservation. The room itself was spacious, well-appointed, and extraordinarily comfortable. I have never slept as well in a hotel room as I did there. Again, comfort and quiet may be important with your husband's health. We were on the ground floor, so we had a patio, and it was lovely to sit outside on the patio in the morning while drinking coffee. On the flip side, it didn't necessarily feel very "Disney" compared to other stays we have done on property (Wilderness Lodge and Port Orleans Riverside). It is a convention center, and it had that feel in some ways. But that did not detract from the comfort or convenience, and we all enjoyed the amenities (restaurants, pool, watching fireworks from 4th floor observation area one night).

You may also want to post in the disAbilities forum, as there may be people who post more frequently in that forum who have planned trips under somewhat similar circumstances and can offer different insight.

Take care!

 

[ratodino]

I am in the process of planning my trip, so I'll tell you right up front that I have not stayed at any of these properties, but I have been reading and researching for months. I had a similar situation to yours last year, but we ended up in Aruba. That is a trip that I will remember for the rest of my life. From my experience, be sure whatever you pick is a place where maybe your DH would be happy just sitting in a chair enjoying the view. He may be exhausted or maybe not. Take a good hard look at how much walking he would have to do to get from one place to another. I'm sure he will love watching you and especially DS experiencing everything. What would have the most "fun" activities for your son? Right now, not knowing all the details, I think the Poly would be easily accessible since its not so big and the monorail is right there too. And don't worry too much about the money- things have a way of working out. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Splashboat]

We stayed GF CL (Sugar Loaf) several years ago and had a great experience that made it special. I am very sorry for your situation. I suggest you let the CM know when you book so they can make note of any accommodations that they might be able to provide to make your stay easier.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I think CR, even if he's not walking as much, is still very accessible. I will recommend a scooter for DH, period -- there are enough things you have to gut out in Stage IV without trying to be all noble about walking over using a scooter. Ain't nothing wrong with a scooter.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I would do CR TPV. I've never stayed there but it just seems so magical. Also the walk to MK would be much easier with a wheelchair or scooter. You can also beat the MK crowds by watching Wishes (or the new show) from your balcony.

I hope you have a magical trip.

 

[pixie08]

My prayers are with your family.

Contemporary would be a nice option because you have the monorail to EPCOT and MK. The dining at the resort or right nearby at local monorail resorts are great. If he is tired you could watch the fireworks from your room instead of from the the chaos of the parks. Plus it seems on the more "reasonable" side from your other options. AK is an amazing experience but a lot more traveling on buses and such which may not be great for you guys.

 

[Tggrtoes]

Thanks for your replies so far everyone...I struggle with mentioning the cancer thing - I know it can make folks uncomfortable. But, it's such a key part of our decision making these days. I very much appreciate the insights.

CR TPV is probably where my gut has me leaning towards most... I am also thinking we would certainly rent a scooter - shoot, I'd love it or DS would if DH wants to walk. HAHAHAHAHA I like the close proximity to the park and not having to wait on the monorail or whatever. In general at this point, DH appears pretty healthy on the surface and can walk, but we all tire pretty easily these days. (I'm so out of shape after months of hospitals/doctors... this girl needs to get her butt to the gym!) We are trying more chemo in next month or so to help keep this thing at bay a little longer, so I don't really have a clue how DH will be in October. I had originally thought to do another cruise for the low-key aspect, but DH has really been hankering for the happiest place on earth - and who can blame him? There is really nothing like it in the world.

Thanks also for tip on mentioning to CM upon check in as well as disabilities forum - will certainly do! Looking forward to making final decision and then figuring out all the other things that I know nothing about... dining plans, magic bands, theme park strategies, oh my! Just what this girl needs to distract herself!

 

[100acreHiker]

Echoing the DisAbilities forum suggestion--they were very helpful in planning our recent trip with my sister-in-law who has Down Syndrome and needed some small accommodations. Prayers for your family and husband and his health!

I will add that I've stayed at most of the deluxe resorts. I have to share my opinion that I just do not recommend CR, especially if you are counting on this trip to feel super magical. It's fine, the rooms are lovely, but the resort just felt super sterile and cold and was noisy, the air in the main building was weird, and the quick service made every thing loud and busy and smell. It wasn't awful, and I'm not someone to dwell on the negatives, but I highly, highly recommend the GF, and the Poly is really nice, too. GF really, truly feels special and, well, grand. Like you, we usually stay in 4-5 star hotels when we travel, and I wish every hotel felt the way the Grand feels to me when I walk in. When you step off the monorail and walk into the main building, your heart sort of leaps because it's so beautiful. The CR just isn't. It's kinda cool, and it has it's history, but it didn't do much for me and my family, nor the family we traveled with. The GF also has a boat (one stop to and from MK) while CR does not have boat service. It does have the path, but if you think your DH will be tired after walking in the park, the path isn't a good option anyway. The food is better at the GF and Poly, too. Poly has a path to the TTC to catch the monorail that goes to Epcot. Obviously all resorts on the monorail will get you to the TTC for Epcot, as well.

Again, just had to share, since you stressed the need for this trip to feel magical. I hope your trip together will be full of warm and happy memories!

 

[PollyannaMom]

I haven't stayed in any of the resorts on your list, but have toured the Contemporary a bit when we went to The Wave, and I agree with 100acreHiker. - It was definitely upscale, but just didn't feel "Disney" to me.

My personal bucket list deluxe stay is Animal Kingdom, but with what you said about distance, I think I'd go with Grand Floridian.

 

[terri33inne]

So sorry to hear about your husband. I don't think you can go wrong with any of those choices.

I would lean to GF. The GF I think is more relaxed & laid-back... My daughter & I refer to GF as 'the dream'. CR definitely feels like a convention hotel to me. On the other hand I've heard that the TPV CR rooms can't be beat.

Which theme appeals more to your son or husband?

 

[mkarizona]

My first thought was CR TPV. We stayed BLT TPV two years ago and TPV makes all the difference as far as Disney magic goes! I would leave the curtains opened a little so if I woke up I could see the castle. If you are tired and come back early you can get the fireworks music on TV while you watch from the balcony. Be sure to ask for a higher floor for best views.

 

[DG25]

So sorry to hear your husband is sick. I will echo, but from experience, get a scooter, I have done DL and WDW with cancer and treatment, I can not do with without a scooter, last year two year post treatment I was able to do it, but it took 6 months of walking 3 miles a day to be able to do it, back trying to get three again for upcoming trip. Stage 3 BReast cancer, with three years clean, post treatment.

With your choices you can not go wrong. But with money tight, and not in your room very long, I would just go with the cheapest, especially since that is poly. Poly is one of everyone's favorite, if he wanted to do the GF than I would say let him, but if he really does not care, than Poly standard view. Walking to and from your room you will get the gardens, marinas, theme park views, in your room your there to sleep. Cancer as you know changes your value, which is family, laughter, a smile on your face, not the view outside that you probably won't really look at much. Although at poly there really is not a bad view anywhere.

The rooms at poly are spacious, more so tan at CR which are small, although the GF has large rooms also.

I will mention one other since it is our favorite, that is Wilderness lodge, no it is not on the monorail, but it is 5 minutes by boat or bus or car. To me it is one of the best resorts. It is a lot more laid back. A lot more quiet, in resturaunts and pools. Price you will save at least another $500 or more. I find the staff to be the best and we have stayed at all of the deluxe and moderate resorts. It just screams kick back and relax, and is we're we stayed during my cancer treatment, it was Disney away from Disney but so relaxing when I just needed to take a break.

 

[AngiTN]

My first choice, due to the uniqueness of the resorts, would be TPV at CR. My 2nd choice would be AKL Savannah view room. I know it can be a bit more effort for transportation but it is really like nothing else. So very unique to WDW. I think it should remain in consideration for that reason. I'll admit that GF is my least favorite resort. I'm good if we never stay there again. Poly is ok but still not a favorite of ours. Not when you have CR as an option. I like it much more

 

[disneyvoice]

Hi there! Oncology Nurse here! I'm so sorry about your situation - a trip to WDW will be a wonderful way to create wonderful memories as a family. Although pricier, I would definitely recommend a deluxe resort. They tend to feel much less crowded to me which will allow your DH to get around better, they are generally much quieter which helps with sleeping as do the much more comfortable beds, and they have more dining options (including room service) in case your plans change and your DH is too tired to stay at a park and would rather relax at the resort.

We have stayed at CR and it's nice because of it's proximity to MK and because you have the monorail right there. Having the monorail as a transportation option might be a good idea because the bus transportation might be a bit uncomfortable for your husband since they pack everyone in there and sometimes people are forced to stand if there is no more room so you can at least get to MK and Epcot easier. We also like the Poly for the same reasons. We haven't stayed at GF but it looks very nice. Of the three I think you can typically stay at CR for less money - even in a tower room. If you can swing it then a MK view would be a great option in case you need to head back to the resort early - you can still see the fireworks from your balcony.

If the monorail resorts are more than you want to spend then I would suggest a Savannah view room at AKL. If you need to spend more time in your room than you had planned you have an entire Savannah of animals to enjoy while your DH relaxes. There are also many good dining options and the whole resort just has a very nice atmosphere.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

So sorry to hear about your hubby. Given your options, I too would think TPV at CR tower is a great choice. My aunt went on a cruise when she was stage 4 and ended up spending most of the time in the room because she was tired and exhausted easily. If your DH ends up being very tired or just not feeling up to it, being able to watch fireworks from the room or just being a short walk from the resort when at MK seems pretty invaluable. Also I'm sure you know to talk to the docs before going. They loaded my aunt up with plenty of medications before she left just in case she needed them.

Also, make sure to buy trip insurance without a pre-existing condition exclusion. Many carriers will waive this exclusion if you purchase within a certain number of days of your first trip payment.

 

[DLgal]

CR Theme Park View. Hands down.

I have stayed in one of those rooms and last year did GF Lagoon View. GF was nice but the room was kind of run down. CR keeps their rooms looking and feeling more modern.

When we stayed at CR, I actually got sick with a stomach bug and spent 3 days in the room. It was SO comfortable and I loved that I could open the curtains or go out on the balcony and watch the MK, the boats, monorail, hear the train whistle, etc. I got to watch the fireworks each night from my bed. And when I was feeling ready to eat some soup and Gatorade, it was an easy 10 steps to the elevator and down to the Contempo Cafe to eat. Minimal effort needed.

On the other hand, last summer we were trapped in our room at the GF during a vicious thunderstorm midday for 2 HOURS. It required a pretty long walk out in the elements to get to the main building and the Gasparilla Grill. That wasn't fun. It would have been nice to be able to go to the arcade or the shops or food court like we would have been able to do if we were at Contemporary.

The only other option I will suggest is the Beach Club, Club Level. That one is my absolute favorite. The pool is heavenly and our boys LOVE it! CR is my #2; GF is #3.

 

[fla4fun]

I would also vote for CR TPV. Having everything in one building is so convenient, and easy transportation to two parks is handy. Personally I think CR has the most comfortable beds on property. I have stayed at all the resorts you are considering, and having to go from one building to another to get to food, etc., is not fun if you aren't feeling well.

Has your husband mentioned a preference for any particular resort?

So sorry you are going through this, and I hope you have a fantastic trip.

 

[mmmears]

First I want to say that I am so sorry you are dealing with this. I think you are looking at the right resorts and getting some good advice here. I'd add that, in addition to having a good view in case you end up spending a lot of time in the room, you might want to consider club level. It will give you more room (close to your room) to relax in, and also some drinks and snacks. In the event that your DH is tired and not feeling like going out it will give you some extra flexibility. I think a TPV room at the CR, GF or Poly would be nice. I would choose based on theme, although I do think that from a mobility standpoint the CR might be easier to navigate in this case.